Mollie Doodle visits Christian Island
By Sharon Weatherall
‘Mollie Doodle’ the loveable Golden Doodle of a popular
children’s book series is coming to Christian Island.
A colourful and informative book about the Beausoleil First
Nation (BFN) community and its way of life is now in the works.
Author/Illustrator darci-que from Creemore Ontario, has
published 13 books so far in ‘The Adventures of Mollie Doodle’ series which
often involve lessons for kids about sharing and caring, friendship, bullying
and more. Mollie is an inspiration to children and adults alike but not really a
fictional character. She is actually darci-que’s family dog and has many
loveable traits which come across in her books. The upcoming book about
Christian Island will be number 14 in the series and promises to be an
interesting story.
Darci-que says this book will be a bit different in content
and she is very excited about getting started.
“There will be no lesson in this book as I see it as an
awareness book about a very special community separated from the mainstream but
only by a ferry ride,” said darci-que.
The well-known author/illustrator has visited the island in
the past to read her books to children at Christian Island Elementary School
(CIES).
“The first time I went to the island I wanted to do a Mollie
Doodle book about the people and the island. I love the people and the kiddies who
each have a special purity to them. Although they live a modern life I love the
elements of their culture that continues in their everyday life,” said
darci-que.
darci-que and her daughter Emilie traveled to the island
earlier this week to meet with CIES principal Angela Johnson who will be the
connection between the community and the author as far as content for the new
book. However, the school itself will be a pig part as well as aspects of
island life, culture and tradition.
“This is very exciting. The book will be an opportunity to
educate other people about life on the island and what it is like at school
here and the up-to-date elements of learning we use such as iPods, etc. It will
show the differences and similarities of life and education on Christian Island,”
said Johnson.
The book will include how CIES students study Ojibway
tradition, culture and the Anishinabek language as part of their regular
studies.
Communications to collect research for the book will be
ongoing over the next few weeks. During the recent meeting author and principal
discussed the importance of such things as school and community logos – both of
which will be included in the book, island services (fire, police, EMS,
medical, dental, senior’s centre, recreation centre, BFN band office, etc.,), modes
of transportation including skoot, snowmobile and hovercraft in winter, as well
as boats and ferry during the rest of the year. Travel from island to mainland
on one of two ferries is crucial for islanders to bring supplies and sustain a
comfortable and normal life. Included in the book will be input from the Elders
of the community. darci-que also hopes to touch on such things as island
wildlife and land features including Christian Island’s two inland lakes,
numerous beautiful beaches, and its lighthouse. The reservation includes two other islands -
Hope and Beckwith, plus property at Cedar Point where the mainland ferry launch
is located.
darci-que and Johnson talked about the importance of the
Eagle Staff and what it means to a native community.
“The Eagle Staff represents the heart of the community,”
said Johnson explaining it is carried by the community leader at events such as
pow wows.
darci-que and Emilie will be attending CIES’s annual Pow Wow
which takes place on Wednesday May 20th 2015. At this event each
year other area schools are invited to attend Christian Island to experience
and learn about native cultures and traditions including food, singing,
dancing, crafts and much more.
As a character in her books, Mollie Doodle often dresses for
the occasion so it will be totally appropriate for her to be wearing a
traditional jingle dress in the new book – after all she will want to do some
dancing at the pow wow.
Plans are in the works to have the loveable Golden Doodle actually
come to the island for a visit. Mollie who suffers a bit from motion sickness wants
an opportunity to meet the people and the island dogs which are plentiful in
the community.
“The principal has asked for me
to come if I can handle a car and the ferry! woof!,” says Mollie.
Learn more about this fluffy
white canine and her friends by visiting the Face Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdventuresOfMollieDoodle
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